Top 10 Airline Credit Cards

Airline credit cards are specialized credit cards that offer rewards and benefits tailored to frequent travelers. These cards typically provide points or miles for purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. In addition, cardholders often enjoy perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.

Advertisement

The main advantage of airline credit cards lies in their rewards programs, which are usually aligned with a specific airline or a group of airlines within an alliance. These cards often have higher earning rates for purchases made directly with the airline, allowing users to accumulate miles more quickly. Many airline credit cards also come with substantial sign-up bonuses, which can significantly boost a user's mileage balance, often enough for a free flight or upgrade. Additional benefits may include travel insurance, protection against trip cancellations, and no foreign transaction fees, making these cards highly attractive for international travelers. However, it's important to consider the annual fees and interest rates associated with these cards, as they can be higher than those of standard credit cards. Balancing the costs against the potential rewards is crucial to determining if an airline credit card is the right fit for your travel habits and financial situation.

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred
    Chase Sapphire Preferred

    Chase Sapphire Preferred - Travel rewards card with valuable points and benefits.

    View All
  • American Express Platinum
    American Express Platinum

    American Express Platinum - Luxury credit card with premium rewards and exclusive benefits.

    View All
  • Citi AAdvantage
    Citi AAdvantage

    Citi AAdvantage - Citi AAdvantage: Earn airline miles on Citi credit card purchases.

    View All
  • Delta SkyMiles American Express
    Delta SkyMiles American Express

    Delta SkyMiles American Express - Rewards card for Delta flights, earning miles and benefits.

    View All
  • United Explorer Card
    United Explorer Card

    United Explorer Card - Travel rewards card with United Airlines perks and benefits.

    View All
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
    Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

    Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus - Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus: Points, travel perks, annual fee.

    View All
  • JetBlue Plus Card
    JetBlue Plus Card

    JetBlue Plus Card - Rewards travel card with bonus miles and travel perks.

    View All
  • Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
    Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

    Alaska Airlines Visa Signature - Travel rewards card with Alaska Airlines benefits and perks.

    View All
  • Capital One Venture Rewards
    Capital One Venture Rewards

    Capital One Venture Rewards - Travel rewards card with flexible redemption options.

    View All
  • Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

    Hilton Honors American Express Aspire - Premium travel rewards card with luxury Hilton benefits.

    View All

Top 10 Airline Credit Cards

1.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

less
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its valuable points system and flexible redemption options. Cardholders earn 2X points on travel and dining, and 1X on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, often at an enhanced value. The card offers a generous sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and various travel protections, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

Pros

  • pros Generous sign-up bonus
  • pros 2x points on dining/travel
  • pros No foreign transaction fees
  • pros Comprehensive travel insurance
  • pros Flexible rewards redemption.

Cons

  • cons$95 annual fee
  • cons Requires good/excellent credit
  • cons Limited lounge access
  • cons No 0% intro APR
  • cons Higher points value with Chase portal only.
View All

2.

American Express Platinum

less
The American Express Platinum Card is a premium charge card known for its extensive travel and lifestyle benefits. It offers perks such as access to exclusive airport lounges, substantial travel credits, and elite status with various hotel and rental car partners. Cardholders also enjoy comprehensive travel insurance, concierge services, and rewards points on purchases. Designed for high spenders, it comes with a significant annual fee, but its extensive array of benefits often justifies the cost for frequent travelers.

Pros

  • pros Extensive travel rewards
  • pros Airport lounge access
  • pros Hotel elite status
  • pros Concierge service
  • pros Annual travel credits

Cons

  • consHigh annual fee
  • cons Limited acceptance
  • cons Complicated rewards program
  • cons No intro APR
  • cons High spending requirement
View All

3.

Citi AAdvantage

less
Citi AAdvantage is a travel rewards credit card program offered by Citibank in partnership with American Airlines. It allows cardholders to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits with American Airlines and its partner airlines. The program also offers additional perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and access to airport lounges, making it a valuable option for frequent travelers and loyal American Airlines customers.

Pros

  • pros Generous sign-up bonus
  • pros Earn miles on purchases
  • pros Free checked bag
  • pros Priority boarding
  • pros No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • consAnnual fee
  • cons Miles expiration
  • cons Limited redemption options
  • cons High APR
  • cons Restricted flight availability
View All

4.

Delta SkyMiles American Express

less
The Delta SkyMiles American Express card is a co-branded credit card designed for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers. It offers benefits such as earning SkyMiles on purchases, priority boarding, free checked bags, and discounted Delta Sky Club access. Cardholders can also enjoy travel and purchase protections. Various versions of the card, including Gold, Platinum, and Reserve, offer different levels of perks and annual fees, catering to a range of travel needs and spending habits.

Pros

  • pros Earn miles on purchases
  • pros No foreign transaction fees
  • pros Free checked bag
  • pros Priority boarding
  • pros Access to Delta Sky Club.

Cons

  • consAnnual fee
  • cons Limited redemption options
  • cons High APR
  • cons Miles can expire
  • cons Limited airline partners.
View All

5.

United Explorer Card

less
The United Explorer Card is a travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent United Airlines flyers. It offers perks like 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. Cardholders enjoy benefits such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, two United Club passes annually, and no foreign transaction fees. The card also provides travel protections and has an annual fee, waived the first year.

Pros

  • pros Free checked bag
  • pros Priority boarding
  • pros Travel credits
  • pros Two United Club passes
  • pros No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • consAnnual fee
  • cons Limited lounge access
  • cons Airline-specific rewards
  • cons High APR
  • cons Limited non-travel benefits
View All

6.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

less
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card is a travel rewards card designed for frequent flyers of Southwest Airlines. Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, local transit, and select streaming services, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Benefits include 3,000 anniversary points, two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, and no foreign transaction fees. It's an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers seeking to maximize rewards and enjoy exclusive travel perks.

Pros

  • pros No blackout dates
  • pros Two free checked bags
  • pros Earn points on every purchase
  • pros Companion Pass potential
  • pros Flexible booking options

Cons

  • consLimited international partners
  • cons No luxury perks
  • cons Annual fee
  • cons Limited airport lounges
  • cons Reward flights subject to availability
View All

7.

JetBlue Plus Card

less
The JetBlue Plus Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers enhanced benefits for frequent JetBlue travelers. Cardholders earn 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X points at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X point on all other purchases. Benefits include a free first checked bag, 50% savings on in-flight purchases, and an annual $100 statement credit for JetBlue Vacations packages. The card has a $99 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros

  • pros High rewards on JetBlue purchases
  • pros No foreign transaction fees
  • pros Free checked bag
  • pros 50% savings on in-flight purchases
  • pros Points pooling option.

Cons

  • cons$99 annual fee
  • cons Limited airline options
  • cons High APR
  • cons No intro APR on balance transfers
  • cons Requires good/excellent credit.
View All

8.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

less
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card offers frequent flyers valuable rewards, including a Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) annually, and 3 miles per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines purchases. Cardholders also earn 1 mile per dollar on other purchases, enjoy free checked bags for themselves and up to six companions, and receive 20% back on in-flight purchases. No foreign transaction fees, plus an attractive sign-up bonus, make it ideal for Alaska Airlines loyalists.

Pros

  • pros Companion fare
  • pros Mileage Plan miles
  • pros No foreign transaction fees
  • pros Free checked bag
  • pros Travel benefits.

Cons

  • consAnnual fee
  • cons Limited lounge access
  • cons High APR
  • cons Limited international partners
  • cons Restricted sign-up bonus eligibility.
View All

9.

Capital One Venture Rewards

less
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a straightforward and flexible rewards program, ideal for frequent travelers. Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, with no caps or expiration. New users can benefit from a substantial sign-up bonus if they meet the spending requirement. Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses, including flights and hotels, or transferred to partner loyalty programs, providing valuable options for maximizing rewards. The card also includes travel benefits and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros

  • pros Flexible rewards
  • pros No foreign transaction fees
  • pros Easy redemption options
  • pros High earning rate
  • pros Sign-up bonus

Cons

  • consAnnual fee
  • cons Limited transfer partners
  • cons No intro APR
  • cons Potential for overspending
  • cons Requires good credit
View All

10.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire

less
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a premium travel rewards credit card tailored for frequent travelers. It offers a wealth of benefits, including complimentary Hilton Diamond status, a free weekend night reward annually, and up to $250 in Hilton resort credits each year. Cardholders also earn a high rate of Hilton Honors points on purchases, particularly at Hilton properties. Additional perks include priority airport lounge access and up to $250 in airline fee credits annually.

Pros

  • pros Complimentary Diamond status
  • pros $250 Hilton resort credit
  • pros Free weekend night reward
  • pros Priority Pass membership
  • pros 14X points on Hilton purchases.

Cons

  • consHigh annual fee
  • cons Limited lounge access
  • cons Limited point transfer partners
  • cons High spend requirement for bonus
  • cons Not all benefits useful.
View All

Similar Topic You Might Be Interested In